Summer Roadtrip Day 12: Cheyenne WY to Pojoaque NM

Because our hotel rate didn't include breakfast, and we were a bit hungry from skipping dinner, we bought some gas station burritos as we left Cheyenne early this morning.

It was a little bit cold and windy as we followed the interstate to Denver.

Once we got to Denver we decided to take the more scenic route, Highway 285. The views along this route were breathtaking and we really enjoyed the drive.

We mostly drove and only stopped at a few places, other than for stretch breaks or gas. Our first fun stop was at the South Park sign for photos in Fairplay Colorado.

We then drove to the UFO Watchtower near Hooper CO. When we arrived, we just weren't feeling it, so skipped the visit and continued our drive.

We stopped at the San  Luis Valley Brewing Co in Alamosa for lunch and a much needed break.

As we were driving through Antonito CO, a shiny house caught my eye, so we needed to take a detour off the main highway to check it out 

We later learned that this is Cano's Castle.

After leaving Colorado and entering New Mexico we headed towards Taos, NM. As we got closer to Taos we drove past a community of Earthships (buried houses).

We took a break from driving and stopped at the Rio Grande Gorge bridge. 

The view was absolutely breathtaking.

We mainly just drove through Taos and didn't spend any time other than to take a short stretch break and bathroom break and then we were on our way to Santa Fe.

As we drove towards Santa Fe, we entered the Rio Grande gorge and drove along the river.

We were really enjoying the drive and looking forward to visiting Santa Fe, before spending the night in Albuquerque.

Unfortunately, we got about 20 miles outside of Santa Fe (in Pojoaque) and then the transmission of the car went out.

Steve limped the car along the highway until we got to an AutoZone, which turns out that it's brand new and hasn't yet opened yet, so we then limped the car across the highway to a gas station where he was able to add some transmission fluid and further troubleshoot.

Unfortunately, the car was essentially rendered undrivable for any distance and all auto shops in the area were already closed for the day.

Steve made friends with a lot of people in the parking lot who offered help by lending tools, sharing some wire, and one man (thanks Fernando!!) even hooked up a tow strap to the back of his truck and towed us to the hotel where we spent the night. (Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder Casino).

By the time we got to our room and settled in it was after 10:00 and all of the casino restaurants were closed except for the deli, so we split a cold turkey sandwich for dinner.

Colorado Road Trip (Oct 5-9, 2020)

We had plans to fly to Maine and then drive through the maritime provinces of Canada. Sadly, Canada closed the border due to Covid, so we had to cancel those plans. Since I still had the time off from work scheduled, we decided that a jeeping road trip to Colorado would allow us to minimize contact with others, but still get get to travel.

We spent the first day driving to Durango and spent the night. The next morning we headed to the San Juan National Forest outside Hesperus, CO to drive into La Plata Canyon. 

We started by the La Plata River, 

We then drove the 2WD Jeep up a 4WD trail until we couldn't go any further.

As we tried to turn around the front edge of the Jeep slid off the road, allowing us to spot a waterfall below.

After getting back on the road and backing down the trail, we drove a few other trails. 

And then drove up to Kennebec Pass.

We then left the Durango area and headed to Ouray.

Colorado - Ouray area

After spending the night in Ouray, we drove the Alpine Loop between Ouray and Silverton. 

At one point we needed to be towed while driving up to Hurricane Pass.

Despite being in October, there was still some snow left from the previous winter.

We also drove towards Animas Forks and past where we had camped several years ago.

Colorado - Last Dollar Road

The next morning, we started heading toward home, driving from Ouray to Telluride.

We decided to take the Last Dollar Road, next to the San Miguel River, to Telluride and then continue to Cortez.

We stopped in Cortez/Mesa Verde for dinner at a local brewery. I couldn't resist ordering the Schnorzenboomer Amber Doppelbock, simply because I liked the name of the beer. It was also tasty!

 

We then spent the night in Room 1977 at the Retro Inn in Mesa Verde. Each room number corresponded to the decor of the room.

The next morning we started our drive back to Phoenix.

We stopped in Flagstaff for a picnic lunch before finishing the drive home.